Friday, February 19, 2010

Remember Iwo Jima

On this day 65 years ago, the assault on Iwo Jima started. The battle lasted 35 days. Some of the fiercest fighting in the Pacific Theater took place before it ended.

Jerry was part of the 1st Joint Assault Signal Company, 4th Marine Division that went ashore in the Blue 1 sector. He was also one of the lucky ones who walked off the island.

He has told us many times, "The real heroes did not come back".

On this day and for the next 35, let's remember all who served in the Pacific Theater, in particular those who served on Iwo Jima.

If you would like to know more about Iwo Jima, the book by James Bradley "Flag of our Fathers" is well worth the reading time. There are two movies by directed by Clint Eastwood, one based upon the book and one from the Japanese point of view that deliver a credible rendition of the battle. Jerry said, "it was very much like that." Flag of our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima

1 comment:

D Plus 26. The Marines have repulsed heavy Japanese counter atttacks on March 8, 9, 10 and 11.Check out this sitehttp://www.historyanimated.com/Iwo.html

The Marines have pushed the Japanese into the Northern Corner of Iwo. It is called Cushman's Pocket after the Marine Officer in charge of eliminating resistance. This assault will continue through to March 24.Six Medals of Honor are awarded in this area alone during the fighting.While waiting for PACIFIC on Sunday, Jerry described pushing forward and remembers going up by the airfields. Jerry believed his unit came across a fourth airfield that was under construction.Gunfights are pretty rough right now in A-Stan with the Marines. They only last a few hours. THe Marines of the 3rd, 4th and 5th Divisions have been in combat for 26 days. No showers, no toilets and a Helmet for thier pillow. The Sherlock Grandchildren should count themselves lucky. Jerry is a simple man who participated in one of the hardest campaigns of World War Two. Very few people understand what these guys went through, where Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue.

So if you are a SGC,take a moment to read up on Saipan, Tinian and Iwo. We are all very lucky. If it wasn't for him , we wouldn't have you.Semper Fi Marines